Name: Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pints (682g) cherry tomatoes; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 8oz (227g) block feta cheese; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chopped basil leaves, plus more for garnish; 1 ½ pounds (750g) packaged gnocchi (approximately 5 ½ cups); Boiling salted water (for cooking gnocchi)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 66 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and cozy comfort, the Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender gnocchi coated in a luscious, creamy sauce made from oven-roasted feta melting into blistered cherry tomatoes, all brightened with fresh basil’s aromatic pop. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and makes for a show-stopping meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A deep white baking dish holds bright red roasted cherry tomatoes spread evenly as the bottom layer. In the center, a thick, square block of creamy white cheese is placed on top of the tomatoes. The cheese block has a slightly browned edge showing it is roasted. The tomatoes around it are blistered and shiny from cooking. A woman's hand is seen pressing down the cheese block gently. Another close-up shows garlic being pressed over the cheese and tomatoes, adding small bits of light yellow garlic on top. Finally, fresh green herbs are being sprinkled over the cheese and tomatoes, creating a colorful contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple is the secret to this dish’s brilliance. Each element has a clear role, whether it’s the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, the creamy tang of feta, or the fresh zing of basil that ties everything together perfectly.

2 pints cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy bites roast beautifully, releasing their natural sugars and balancing the tangy feta.

½ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast evenly, while giving the sauce a silky texture.
1 8oz block feta cheese: The star of the show, this creamy, salty cheese melts down to create a luscious sauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces an inviting aroma and subtle heat to the sauce.
¼ cup chopped basil leaves (plus more for garnish): Freshness and a lovely herbal note that wakes up the whole dish.

1 ½ pounds packaged gnocchi (about 5 ½ cups): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the flavorful sauce and make the dish hearty.
Boiling salted water: For perfectly cooking the gnocchi so they’re tender and light.

How to Make Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes and Feta

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF, setting the stage for those tomatoes and feta to mingle beautifully. Place the cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, tossing them gently to coat every little tomato. Then, create a cozy spot in the center and nestle the whole block of feta cheese right there. This simple setup is the foundation of magic waiting to happen.

Step 2: Bake Until Bubbling and Blistered

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. As it roasts, the cherry tomatoes will soften and burst, mingling with the feta which will slowly melt down into a creamy, tangy pool. If your baking dish can go under the broiler, switch to broil for the last few minutes to get that gorgeous blistered, golden finish on the tomatoes and feta – just be sure to watch closely so nothing burns.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

While the baking is underway, bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously—this is your chance to infuse the gnocchi with flavor even before they hit the sauce. Drop the gnocchi in and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out gently and set aside, ready to soak up the luscious sauce you’ve just created.

Step 4: Create the Sauce and Combine

Once baked, remove the dish and add the minced garlic and chopped basil right into the bubbly feta and tomato mixture. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula, breaking up the block of feta along the way until you get a chunky, creamy sauce that looks like pure comfort in a bowl. Then, fold in your cooked gnocchi, tossing gently to coat every pillowy piece in that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

The image shows four steps of making a creamy tomato gnocchi dish in a white rectangular pan with blue handles. The top left part shows a woman's hand stirring roasted cherry tomatoes, melted cheese, and green herbs in golden olive oil. The top right part shows pale yellow gnocchi being poured onto the tomato mixture. The bottom left part shows the gnocchi mixed with the tomatoes and cheese, with a wooden spoon stirring. The bottom right part shows the finished dish, creamy with soft gnocchi, roasted tomatoes, and green basil pieces on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves scattered on top not only add a stunning pop of green but also brighten the whole dish with their fresh, herbal aroma. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of more olive oil can elevate the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds lovely texture contrast and fresh crunch. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy, tangy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style right from the baking dish for a cozy, rustic vibe or plate individual portions topped with basil and a light drizzle of olive oil. For an elegant touch, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a shave of Parmesan for extra texture and depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld deeper overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

While the sauce and gnocchi are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or olive oil can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work wonderfully and often have a softer, more delicate texture that complements the creamy feta sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh gnocchi tend to cook faster.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?

Feta is key for its salty tang and creamy meltability, but you can experiment with ricotta salata or halloumi if you want a different flavor profile. Keep in mind the texture will change somewhat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan twist, try using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and substitute the gnocchi for one without eggs or dairy. The cherry tomatoes and basil will still provide fabulous flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default—it’s all about the fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. If you want to add some heat, tossing in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce works perfectly.

What wine pairs well with Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe?

A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements the salty feta and sweet tomatoes beautifully, refreshing your palate and enhancing the vibrant flavors.

Final Thoughts

You’re in for a real treat with the Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary, full of warmth and bold flavor. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet special enough to wow guests. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this recipe and make it your own.

Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Baked Feta Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes and Feta